Burger Night!
Burger Night
Join us for $10 Burger Night every Tuesday from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM at The Chophouse.
Reserve Now
Join us for $10 Burger Night every Tuesday from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM at The Chophouse.
Reserve Now Swan Lake Resort's story begins as a 1930s chicken farm, transforming into a golf course in the 1960s. This pivot sparked growth, leading to the U.S. Golf Academy and national recognition in the 1970s. Subsequent renovations and new ownership solidified its status as a premier Midwest destination, evolving from humble beginnings to a celebrated resort. Read our full history here.
Swan Lake Resort's origins trace back to the 1930s and 40s, beginning as a family-owned chicken farm. Founder Ron Swanson, an agriculture graduate, transformed the land, eventually leading to a pivotal shift in the 1960s. Recognizing the rising popularity of golf and the decline of the poultry industry, Swanson converted the farm into a golf course. This visionary change marked the beginning of Swan Lake Golf Club, laying the foundation for its future expansion.
The resort's development continued through the 1970s, establishing the U.S. Golf Academy and attracting national attention. Subsequent decades saw significant renovations and expansions, including the addition of new golf courses and accommodations. In 2000, new ownership further enhanced the resort, solidifying its status as a premier Midwest destination. From humble beginnings as a chicken farm, Swan Lake Resort has grown into a beloved establishment, a testament to adaptation and visionary leadership.
In a twist of fate, the land now home to Swan Lake Resort began as a humble chicken farm in the late 1940s. Founder Ron Swanson, a Purdue agriculture graduate, inherited 100 acres near Plymouth, transforming it into a thriving poultry business. He and his wife, Emily, expanded the farm, employing up to 20 workers. Little did they know, remnants of their chicken coops and silos would one day become quirky hazards for golfers, with the third hole built around an old coop and the 18th’s sand trap covering a buried silo.
A pivotal moment arrived during a poultry trip when Ron, inspired by a fellow farmer's golf holes, decided to diversify. He consulted architect Al Humphrey, who suggested a nine-hole, par-3 course. Amidst a struggling poultry industry, Ron, ever the visionary, shifted gears. He recognized the burgeoning popularity of golf, noting, “The game of golf was thriving. Chickens were not.” The family rebranded, transforming the farm into Swan Lake Golf Club, a name befitting the newly created lakes and the graceful swan, marking a golden era.
Ron Swanson forged a partnership with Sam Carmichael, coach of the Indiana University women’s golf team, leading to the establishment of the U.S. Golf Academy at Swan Lake. The resort became a hub for golf enthusiasts, drawing thousands from across the nation. Family involvement was key, with Ron’s children and son-in-law taking pivotal roles. Ron himself remained hands-on, shaping the grounds and constructing fieldstone structures, embodying the spirit of the resort’s transformation.
Swan Lake Resort underwent significant renovations and expansions, evolving into a premier destination. In 2000, the Swanson family sold the resort to Richard Klingler and Phil Lewallen, who continued to enhance the property. They added two 18-hole golf courses, log cabins, and fairway villas, solidifying the resort's reputation. Roy Swanson, who retired after his first wife’s passing, left behind a legacy of vision and hard work, transforming a chicken farm into a beloved Midwest gem.
Under the new ownership of Klingler and Lewallen, Swan Lake Resort continued to expand and modernize. Significant investments were made to enhance the guest experience, including the addition of luxury accommodations and state-of-the-art facilities. The resort solidified its reputation as a leading destination for golf and leisure, attracting visitors from across the region. The commitment to maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape, combined with the development of high-quality amenities, has ensured the resort's continued success and appeal.
